Winchester Science Centre, Winchester
Hampshire is ready to welcome you for an unforgettable year of culture, coast and great days out. Whether you love historic cities, family‑friendly attractions or beautiful countryside, you’ll find plenty of Hampshire events to enjoy across the county in every season.
From city celebrations and outdoor festivals to family attractions and seasonal events, Hampshire offers an exciting calendar of events throughout 2026. This autumn in Portsmouth, the city celebrates its 100th anniversary, with the return of the colourful International Kite Festival filling the skies above Southsea Common (F) 12 - 13 September, whilst in November, We Shine returns, with light illuminations and displays from 19 - 21 November (F). In Winchester, its the fantastic annual torchlight procession and fireworks display that is a must for the diary, (7 November) filling the streets of this historic town with families, friends, visitors and residents alike, whilst in Basingstoke there's a whole host of spooktacular free family-fun this October half term in the town centre.
Don't miss the chance to enjoy the thrilling Go Ape experience by night this autumn at Itchen Valley Park, Southampton (16 October - 8 November), or miss the UK's biggest Oktoberfest at Southampton Guildhall Square, with music, Bavarian food and a themed marquee (23 - 24 October). Pick up a new autumn wardrode with a visit to John Lewis at WestQuay, or join their upcoming home design talk for some great ideas to refresh your decor (16 October) - a great all-weather day out. Enjoy the changing of the season with the Jane Austen circular walk, a four and half mile trail that starts from Jane Austen's House and explores some of East Hampshire's beautiful countryside.
From scenic coastlines and vibrant events to cosy villages, walking trails and excellent places to eat, Hampshire is the ideal destination for a short break or longer escape. Start planning your 2026 summer adventure today and discover some of the county's top events, attractions and experiences.
Grab your calendar and take a look at what's happening in Hampshire over the coming months with our featured events list or scroll to the bottom and discover hundreds of events happening today, this weekend and across this year. From coastal festivals and city celebrations to countryside walks, food experiences and family attractions, Hampshire offers one of the most varied events calendars in South East England.
You can find a wide range of events taking place across Hampshire today and this weekend, including theatre shows, interactive workshops, wildlife experiences and outdoor events in the Hampshire countryside. Use the date filters above, or browse the listings to find lots of inspiration and ideas for something happening near you. Families on a budget can look out for the many free events (Free) taking place.
If you're travelling from outside the county for an event in Hampshire, there are numerous hotels and other accommodation options to suit your needs. Search Hampshire accommodation to plan your stay, whether your choose the coastal city of Portsmouth or Southampton, Winchester - the ancient capital of England - or a more rural stay in Chawton or Alton, East Hampshire.
Yes, Hampshire hosts a wide range of family-friendly events throughout the year, from nature trails, outdoor festivals, science fairs and interactive school holiday activities. Use the 'type filter' in the search box above and choose family to find suitable events. During the summer holidays and key seasonal periods, you'll find even more events designed for children and families, with activities suitable for all ages.
Yes. South Western Railway connects more than 50 stations across Hampshire with London Waterloo, Vauxhall and Clapham Junction making a day trip or weekend break easy from London. Book your rail tickets and enjoy your next event in Hampshire.
The guide below shows our full calendar of events in Hampshire. Whether you're looking for what's on this weekend or planning further ahead, you'll find plenty of inspiration. If you're local or visiting Hampshire for the first time, use the 'Map View' button to discover events happening near you.
Some of the events below take place on the Isle of Wight, which is easily accessible by ferry or hovercraft from Portsmouth or Lymington.
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Fireworks
Portsmouth
The Portsmouth Fireworks Display returns for 2026, with a spectacular event planned for Southsea Common.
Christmas
Romsey
Hampshire's largest festive light trail returns this Christmas as the award-winning Light Up Sir Harold Hillier Gardens transforms the gardens into a glowing wonderland.
Christmas
London Road, Whitchurch
Head along to a unique setting for a cinema night, at one of the upcoming festive Cinema Nights at Bombay Sapphire Distillery and get ready to immerse yourself in an unforgettable experience.
Music
Winchester
Handshake Ltd
The Ultimate Eagles
Handshake Ltd are proud to present the world's premier Eagles show, The Ultimate Eagles.
Having performed to over 1,000,000 people worldwide, The Ultimate Eagles features a cast of internationally acclaimed…
Fireworks
Southampton
Get ready, Southampton... the South Coast’s BIGGEST and most spectacular fireworks night is back for 2026 – and it's going to be an absolute blast! Mayflower Park Fireworks takes place on Saturday 7th November 2026 at Mayflower Park Southampton.
Childrens Events
New Forest
Step into a world of autumnal magic and treasured memories this October half-term at Beaulieu.
Arts
Romsey
The Association for Contemporary Jewellery (ACJ) Wessex proudly presents Winter Jewels 2026, an inspiring exhibition of handcrafted jewellery by leading studio makers from across Hampshire, Dorset, and Wiltshire.
Tour
Ryde
For a unique experience only offered on the South Coast, try a Hovercraft Experience Flights on your next visit to Portsmouth or the Isle of Wight
Halloween
Brockenhurst
Pay a visit to New Forest Activities in Hampshire this Halloween for a wonderfully spooky twist on an archery session. Using weapons of old; vampires, werewolves and zombies will be your new targets. Plus to add an extra challenge, you'll get to…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Southampton
Looking for a fun outdoor activity this Halloween with your family? Take on the Halloween Potion Hunt, a ‘spell-tacular’ addition to Go Ape Southampton’s Treetop Adventures. Combining high ropes crossings, zip wires and a seasonal trail, this…
Heritage & History
Chawton
Join historian, London expert, and English Heritage veteran Steven Brindle to explore one of Chawton's most unique treasures: our 1746 map of London created by surveyor John Rocque.
Free Event
Basingstoke
Head to Basingstoke, Hampshire this October half term for a host of free fun activities and events for kids from 3 - 13 to enjoy.
Outdoor Event / Activities
Southampton
No kids. No distractions. Just you, your friends, and the treetops after dark at Go Ape Southampton
Music
Whiteley
Enjoy a fabulous evening of George Michael tribute music, street food supper, followed by dancing to the lively tunes of our resident DJ at The Solent Hotel in Whiteley.
Childrens Events
Farnham
Head to Birdworld in Surrey this October half term for a fun-filled Professor Peck's Theatre Show mixed with Ground Hornbills, Chilean Flamingo, Snowy Owls, a dinosaur trail, indoor play barn, outdoor treetop adventure park. A great family day out…
Christmas
Aldershot
Step into a winter wonderland at Aldershot Christmas Cracker, taking place from noon to 5.30pm on Saturday 14 November. The town centre will be bursting with seasonal cheer, offering a sleigh-full of free family fun - from enchanting festive stalls…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Ringwood
Looking for a great way to get outdoors during the school holidays, with plenty of climbing, balancing and zip-lining to keep the whole family entertained. Take on the Halloween Potion Hunt, a ‘spell-tacular’ addition to Go Ape Moors Valley’s…
Festival
Portsmouth
Portsmouth Comic Con returns to the Guildhall for 2027 presenting the best in comic, film, TV and pop culture entertainment - a fantastic family-friendly day in Portsmouth, Hampshire.
Festival
Ovington, Alresford
A world of unity, creativity & freedom, Boomtown Fair is a four day festival set in the Matterley bowl in Hampshire, UK on the second weekend of August. Boomtown fuses a diverse line-up of underground and global music with boundary pushing immersive…
Portsmouth 100
Portsmouth
In 2026, Portsmouth celebrates its 100th anniversary of becoming a city with a wide round program of events and activities for both visitors and residents to enjoy. Visit the city, join the events and discover more of Portsmouth's fascinating…
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